According to reports in this morning’s edition of Turin daily Tuttosport, Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci will snub a move to the Premier League to sign a new improved contract with the bianconeri. The 29-year-old is in high demand in England with both Manchester clubs and Chelsea all vying for his signature. After some impressive performances at Euro 2016, the player who has been with the Old Lady since he was a seven, looked to be moving to the Premier League in a big money move but reports this morning, claim he will extend his stay in Turin with his salary increasing from €3.5 million to €4.5 million a season plus bonus.  

La Gazzetta dello Sport states that Napoli will target Manchester United’s Italian international Matteo Darmian if Kalidou Koulibaly rejects a new contract offer at the club. The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford since the arrival of new boss Jose Mourinho and a return to Serie A is the likeliest outcome should this happen.


 

Belgian International midfielder Axel Witsel has sent a text message to Zenit St Petersburg officials stating that he only wants to leave the club for a move to Juventus (Tuttosport). The 27-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Everton but the journal claims he only has eyes for the Old Lady of Turin.

 

Roma officials are heading to Barcelona to discuss the possibility of signing Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen (Corriere dello Sport). The 30-year-old is wanted by the giallorossi on an initial loan deal next season.


 

Roma are confident that Greek defender Kostas Manolas will remain with the club despite strong interest from Chelsea (Gazzetta dello Sport). The club’s President James Pallotta told reporters in Boston yesterday that the 25-year-old is happy in the Eternal City.
 

PSG midfielder Javier Pastore has told Corriere dello Sport that he may one day return to Serie A. The 27-year-old Argentine joined the French giants from Palermo in 2011 and told the journal that he still has fond memories of playing in Italy.

Inter are keeping a close eye on Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Marlos (Corriere dello Sport). The 28-year-old is seen as a possible alternative should they fail to land Lazio’s Antonio Candreva.



Steve Mitchell @barafundler